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ProblemsByVin File / 2016-HYUNDAI-SONATA
2016 · hyundai

hyundai Sonata problems

4 safety recalls. 704 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
6.0 / 10

Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.

0
Critical
4
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

engine
338 reports · avg $3,100
moderate
electrical
72 reports · avg $850
severe
powertrain
54 reports · avg $2,500
moderate
steering
33 reports · avg $700
severe
brakes
29 reports · avg $450
severe
body
27 reports · avg $1,500
moderate
lighting
23 reports · avg $250
severe
airbags
17 reports · avg $1,100
critical

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2016 Sonata · engine
My car is involved in the class action lawsuit because of engine failure and fire with my 2016 Hyandia Sonota. I have concerns with the above issue because of knocking in the engine and using 1 quart of oil every 400 miles. Hyandia extended the Power train settlement for life…
12/31/2021 · NHTSA ODI #11445763.0
2016 Sonata · steering
AT STOP SIGN TO TURN LEFT, STARTED AND STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT TURN. FELT LIKE LOSS OF POWER STEERING. FORTUNATELY, NO OTHER CARS AROUND, I PUT GEAR IN REVERSE TO BACK UP BEFORE HITTING DITCH ON OTHER SIDE OF ROAD. I TURNED OFF CAR, RESTARTED AND WHEEL WORKED. STOPPED ON…
12/31/2020 · NHTSA ODI #11385954.0
2016 Sonata · engine
My 2016 Hyundai Sonata experienced a sudden engine failure while in operation with no prior warning lights or symptoms. The engine seized unexpectedly, creating a safety risk. This failure appears consistent with known engine defects affecting Hyundai Sonata vehicles of this…
12/30/2025 · NHTSA ODI #11707941.0
2016 Sonata · engine
My 2016 Hyundai Sonata is sitting at the Red Hoagland dealership in Winter Haven, FL after the engine started knocking. Rather than continue driving it and risk an accident with our 19-yr old child driving it, or risk worse damage to the engine, I had it towed to Red Hoagland…
12/30/2022 · NHTSA ODI #11499583.0

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

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At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Active recalls showing 3 of 4

severe NHTSA 16V615000 24/08/2016

Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016 Sonata vehicles manufactured March 28, 2016 through April 12, 2016

A frontal air bag that does not adequately protect the driver's neck may increase their risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 148.
severe NHTSA 15V678000 20/10/2015

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Sonata vehicles manufactured May 28, 2014, to August 21, 2015

If the driver is alerted there is a brake system malfunction, but not specifically with the ABS system, the driver may operate the vehicle unaware that the vehicle's brakes may lock up during hard braking, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will update the ABS control unit software, free of charge. The recall is expected began on November 30, 2015. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 134.
severe NHTSA 16V726000 11/10/2016

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicles manufactured December 8, 2014, to August 18, 2015, and Hyundai Sonata vehicles manufactured May 28, 2014, to March 18, 2016, equipped with the panoramic sunroof option

If the sunroof detaches from the vehicle it could become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will repair the wind deflector anchor plate, free of charge. The recall began December 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 152.
View all 4 recalls →

Common questions

Is the 2016 Hyundai Sonata reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.0 out of 10 based on 704 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2016 Hyundai Sonata has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.

What's the most common problem on the 2016 Hyundai Sonata?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 338 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The airbags is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Hyundai Sonata has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2016 Hyundai Sonata?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 704 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $1,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 13 hours ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with hyundai. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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